How to Grow Red Carpet
iNaturalist
Red Carpet
Alternanthera dentata 'Red Carpet'
shrubRed Carpet is a vibrant ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy-red, velvety leaves that create striking color contrast in gardens and containers. This low-growing, mounding cultivar is a tropical perennial typically grown as an annual in cooler climates. It's valued for edging, mass plantings, and adding dramatic foliage color to mixed borders.
When should you plant Red Carpet in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Carpet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Carpet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Carpet
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Carpet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Perennial in zones 10-11; grown as annual in zones 3-9
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Get my Red Carpet timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green seedlings with first true leaves emerging; delicate foliage without red coloring
Provide bright indirect light, maintain high humidity, keep soil consistently moist; transplant into individual pots when 2-3 true leaves appear
Juvenile
3-4 weeksYoung plants 2-4 inches tall with developing leaf structure; red color beginning to show in some leaves
Harden off indoors before transplanting outdoors; pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness; apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks
Vegetative/Establishment
4-8 weeksRapidly growing, increasingly dense plants with distinctive deep red foliage fully developed; compact mounding form
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; apply granular fertilizer monthly or slow-release at planting; pinch occasionally to maintain shape; mulch around base
Mature/Flowering
Until frost or season's endFull-sized ornamental plant (8-12 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide) with dense red foliage; small inconspicuous white or pale pink flowers may appear
Deadhead flowers if they detract from foliage display; continue regular watering and monthly feeding; plants are primarily grown for leaves, not flowers
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe; avoid overhead watering that harms foliage
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; introduce ladybugs for biological control
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; apply insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
Uses
Foliage Accent & Edging
OrnamentalRed Carpet's deep burgundy foliage provides dramatic contrast in borders, mass plantings, and edges. Its low, mounding form makes it ideal for front-of-border positioning and creating bold color blocks in mixed beds. [source]
Container & Tropical Gardening
HouseholdThrives in pots and hanging baskets on patios and decks, adding vibrant color to tropical-themed garden displays. Excellent for both outdoor summer containers and indoor houseplant collections in warm climates. [source]
Cut Foliage & Floral Design
CraftThe striking red leaves can be harvested for fresh arrangements and floral designs, providing natural color without flowers. Long-lasting foliage stems add depth and drama to mixed bouquets. [source]
Garden Structure & Habitat
WildlifeDense mounding growth provides shelter and cover for beneficial insects and small creatures in the garden ecosystem. The plant structure offers microhabitats within ornamental beds. [source]
Harvest Tips
Red Carpet is grown as an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested. Pinch stems regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to encourage bushier, denser growth and maintain compact shape. Remove any flowers or flower buds to direct energy to foliage production. For propagation, take 3-4 inch cuttings in spring or early summer and root in moist soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Carpet is a cultivar of Alternanthera dentata, which is native to South America and belongs to the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae).
- 🌱 The intensity of the red coloring increases dramatically with more sunlight exposure—plants grown in shade will be greener with less vivid red tones.
- 🌱 Red Carpet is one of the most popular Alternanthera varieties for ornamental gardening, widely used in bedding schemes and landscape installations worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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